Barry Briggs, from Waynesville, Ohio tells ABC Action News he was visiting family in Tampa for Spring Break when he became sick after a boating trip near Weedon Island.

“Early that Sunday evening I got a little swelling, initially I thought maybe it was a sunburn,” he said.

Briggs said his foot started to swell, but he was able to make his flight home to Ohio. When he got there, he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, however, he added that the surgeon still believes it was vibrio.

The state agency does not test waterways for vibrio, but they test cultures from people who are diagnosed with the bacteria.

WHO CAN GET IT?

There are a number of factors to come in to play to get vibrio, but some of those include immunocompromised individuals who possibly have chronic liver disease, kidney disease or weakened immune systems, according to the DOH.

HOW CAN I GET IT?

Those with the weakened immune systems who have open cuts, or wounds have chances of getting vibrio, but the chances are rare. You have a better chance of getting struck by lightning.

Briggs was rushed into Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio in March after returning home from his trip in Tampa.

"Once this thing took off, and it takes off quickly apparently, it was going one inch an hour up my leg," said Briggs.